Dealing with the Stress of Finance...

Money and financial problems, is one of the principal cause of stress. These days, a lot of future professionals (graduate students), like myself, will already have a debt of loans after graduation. In addition to this, if we want to begging our own business, this will be added to that list of expenses and we might doubt of our capabilities of doing it. But what we must do, is make it be worth it and show a result out of our investment in education. Wether it is starting your own business or by finding the job of your dreams.

I for one try to encourage people that if they are going to make a life investment and begin to fill out there lives with debts anyways, it might as well be in your education.

Robert Kiyosaki says in his book, Rich Dad Poor Dad that “Our mind is our most important asset.” I completely agree with him. I also agree when he says that it is great to acquire knowledge on multiply subjects, so, to invest in learning some financial skills is very important in any industry. If you’re planning on creating your own company, even though you hire an accountant to run the numbers for you, you should know about basic fanatical concepts because it is your money and effort invested in there.

Yesterday I took a seminar about Managing Stress. In this seminar, one of the principal reasons for stress in collage students that were highlighted was financial issues. I think that anything we do not understand will automatically cause us stress. So what we can do is spend time learning about the matter you are not understanding, which in this case is finance.

Also, living in such a highly paced and busy world we must learn how to manage stress. Even though if we have the job of our dreams or the company of our dreams we won’t always be happy about it and we will encounter things that will cause us stress. Maybe they won’t all be financial issues, but it is better to have and know a way of dealing with stress. This is important because you learn how to cope well when something is causing you stress but you need to continue your job as if nothing is bothering you. To do this takes practice! So it is better to begin learning how to do it now, because this will be as important now as it will be later.

Having a hobby is a good way to begin lowering your stress. In addition to constantly study and working, learn how to divide your time to entertain yourself with things you like to do to help you relax.

Here are some strategies to help you manage stress and the video below is a documentary about what stress is and what it does to you.

Stress, Portrait of a Killer - Full Documentary (2008)

How The Sharks can eat you...

The Shark Tank Season 3 Episode 10:

If I wanted to relate finance in an interesting matter with entertainment, and make it fit along with the thematic if this blog, than I would definitely talk about "The Shark Tank". I chose this episode because there are a lot of things we can learn in terms of business planning. It’s like an episode of “Things you should NOT do.” No matter in what field your business may be, there are some keys of administration that are in all business categories.

Inactivity:

I think what happened to the owner of “The Ave” was some expressions he made. Part of planning is knowing what you would do in times of adversity which Nick, with comments he did, didn’t represent he was willing to put much more effort into his company. In a new growing business you must be active. He said things that leaded The Sharks into not trusting his commitment with his business like “he wasn’t in the store anymore” and “he was living the LA life.” These comments could represent that you only want money to “live the good life”. To real business men, especially investors, you cannot say things like this because, even though they know it’s all about money, they want to make sure they will invest on someone putting all the effort into gaining even more $$$. They want to feel that the risk they are taking with investing is going to be worth it. When presenting yourself to investors you must be careful with how you express yourself, maintain your humbleness and make them feel their money is safe with you...Sharks don’t have time to waste and are definitely not going to throw their money away.

Undedicated:

Phrases like “A little too soon” and “Way too early”, where the Shark's concern with “Barkem’s to go”. As soon as I saw his presentation I thought to myself the same thing. I don’t think he dedicated a lot of his time in planning his business plan. He had the idea without thinking through all the rest of the resources it would need to move it along to become a real business. Good Ideas can crash for not having dedicated into them, time of investigation, planning and marketing. Before having asked for money, he should have at least done more investigation, surveys and visualize where did he want to take this product. You should have actual results to back up your point. For me it looked as if he was just making a hypothesis about his product.

“Your trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.” - says Barbara. I agree, just because it was a problem for you, and you created something to make your life easier, doesn’t necessarily mean it is a problem for everyone else.

Unprepared:

From the "Brewer’s Cow" we can learn how in a business presentation you have to demonstrate you know your product. How much does it cost you to make it? How much are you selling it for? How much are you distributing in what timeframe? And most important, how much are your sales? These “ice cream makers” didn’t have any basic calculation based on their sales, expenses and income. As Robert tells them, “you got to know your numbers...there are certain things in every business you need to know everyday and that is what do you need to do in order to break even.” It seems as if they wanted the investors to do all the mathematical work for them. They are investors, not accountants. I think it is every business person responsibility to know what they need and how they can get there. These are basic questions any investor will asked you...they want to know how and why did you come up with the amount of money you're asking for. So be prepared to give them the reasons. Also, I must include, If the presentation is going to between more than one person, than they should to take turns of who is going to speak so it looks organized and prepared.

Unfocused:
“Go Go Gear”, here is a good idea, with good intentions, and a specific market that was brutally managed because of "dreaminess". They where focusing more on where they wanted to go, rather where they were right now. Dreaming about the future is good, but you have to plan how you're going to achieve it, in order for it to come true. Sometimes our emotions can unfocus our path towards our goals. We can't let them get to us, neither good or bad emotions. For me, this was a great idea fro the fashion industry, and as we can see for Daymond also. But, the "Go Go girls" seemed desperate, so he notice he could take a great deal out of them. You have to know the value of your idea in order to be able to protect it and demand money over it.

Learning with TED

I find TED's concept about giving global conferences very impressive. It's the first time I know about them but surely it won't be the last. From now on, they have themselves assured another viewer.

With this video I've reinforced my opinion on how videos impact our lives these days. The speaker, Chris Anderson demonstrates how TED's concept really works. He mentioned how video impact is surpassing other ways of learning and communicating such as writing. I think writing has it's own original way to inspire but I agree that video communication exceeds the impact because human learn a lot better through vision. Even if it's only someone speaking, and nothing else, video enables more body senses where sight and hearing are one of the most used for communication and learning.

When describing TED, Anderson says "In TED we are obsessed with openness."; "We are talking from many to many."; "Not only the stars benefit from this." Expressing things like this are what inspire their viewers. They are letting them know what they want to accomplish with their concept. He is influencing the crowds to interact, respond to speakers and become speakers themselves.

TED overcame the challenge of reaching others culture and generate in them the enthusiasm and engage participation not only as viewers but some have become inspiring speakers of the program and in their countries.

Anderson shares the model of the "crowd, light and desire wheel". He teaches us how this is causing his called phenomenon "Crowd Accelerated Innovation". He uses it to describe how video sharing is being strategically used by people, sometimes without knowing and realizing the mayor impact it will have on others.

With videos, uniting crowds interested in the same matter has become easier. Videos are being used to educate, and as Anderson said, learn from one another and learn directly from great leaders also. Education is becoming a cycle. In most times, it used to be a one way communication, now, the audience interacts with the educator and educators may learn from them also.

Each story prooves how, now, we have the tools and access to show ourselves to the world and demonstrate the world what we do. People see what happens in other places and can learn from them.

The stories about dancing 6 year old and the unicyclist are a demonstration of the “desire” part of the wheel. As Anderson states, "to describe what you see in the video is really hard to put in words." On the other hand, the last story, about Kibera, touches each point, "Crowd" (in Kibera they are already united for the same reason), "Light" (they opened themselves to the world) and "Desire" (they create inspiration to others with what they are doing).

I think it is a great thing what TED is doing. Great leaders not only speak to teach, but they also appreciate others for their interaction as viewers. Each viewer will feel individually appreciated for their viewing time and this challenges and motivate them to one day become speakers as well. Individualism is an important way to reach the attention of someone because everybody wants to know they are part of something. We can see when Anderson give thanks to Christopher Makau for what they learned from him that night. This shows people that what they are doing will be appreciated.

I love how they are using this concept to motivate education and inspiring others to become great leaders and educators. This is something I will consider for my professional future. Video sharing is a good strategy to use for a company to present their innovations, vision and ideas. The fact of speaking in TED is an intimidating challenge, but if someday I have the opportunity, I will more than glad to.

Associations that help the entertainment industry...

Associations have become an essential asset in every profession. Professional Association in specific, form, unite and keep informed professionals from the same industry in different aspects. I think that, once you become a professional it is very important to become a part of something bigger than only yourself; joining an association is a great way to start! You will interact, learn from and keep connected to people with the same working interest as you. And most important, this will definitely improve your personal brand strategy and marketing strategy for your personal company.

Associations help keep your education up to date and modernized. As technology moves along so quickly, it is important to look for ways to keep learning new things and professionals associations are supposed to do so. Associations have people in charge, selected by the members themselves, who are responsible for recruiting, educating and informing others.

ACSPPRI is a puerto rican association for professionals in social activities coordination. It is a private organization, voluntary and non-profit and registered with the State Department. It helps promotes the best interests of members and encourages that they respond to the demands of our society in all kinds of social activities. Develop the professional growth of its partners to achieve excellence in the quality of services provided and to promote greater recognition of this profession.

Associations like ACSPPRI are a good way for recent graduates who want to work as an event producer to start. As said before, it is a good way to begging branding and gaining experience.

References:

http://asocoor.com/BIENVENIDOS.html

http://healthcareers.about.com/od/glossary/g/professional_gl.htm

Ricardo Arjona...one of "Latin Music Gods."

What happened during his "Metamorfosis" World Tour in Puerto Rico

“It hardly seems fair actually, for the Latino music gods to bestow so much musical genius onto one man, but they did. That man is Ricardo Arjona, the singer/songwriter from Guatemala. Arjona, now 22 years deep into a career, made putting on a fantastic performance look much too easy.” Says The Daily Journal San Mateo’s Homepage in reference to Arjona’s passed concert in San Jose, California. For artists like Arjona, "making it look easy" comes out naturally. He proves it to the world every passing years he gives performances.

Arjona is right now in a world tour of his new album, ‘Metamorfosis’. Since the beginning of his career Arjona has always manage to create a relation with his listeners through his music and during his performances. As The Daily Journal Says, “rest assured the bond between artist and music, music and fan is stronger than ever.”

Arjona’s fans know that what he sings comes from personal experience. He is willing to give a little from his life just to help other people in theirs. In this concert he talked about how relationships aren’t meant to be easy. How love is a confusing, marvelous, stressful but enjoyable thing. After he gives examples of how we are living now days and how relationships are being held, he beggings to sing his songs to give support to what he’s saying. His lyrics filled with similes and metaphors are what motivate people into reflecting and comparing the words of experience with their own lives.

"Most songwriters are lucky if they strike lyrical gold once in their careers — Arjona has done it consistently for 22 years. His words are blessed with a Midas-esque quality — able to hurt, heal, sooth, torment and frustrate on a variety of levels...his songs feel the same way today as when they were released 15 years ago."

I can assure you, that statemente is true. I’ve had the experience to participate as a viewer in this concert in given in Puerto Rico last March 3rd, 2012. Comparing it to his last performance in the island, 2 years ago, I can just say that in time and Arjona only gets better and better. Unlike previous shows, Arjona planned, designed the concept, scenery and script that stands out for it's rotating platform on the stage that helped demonstrate a different context for each theme.

Expressions like "Puerto Rico, good evening! It’s been too long since we’ve been here, 2 years now. We wanted to let you know that, we think everyone in their lives wants to, somewhere in the world, in some space or in someone, leave something important enough so they can be remember and loved; and we are not the exception." are what makes Arjona's shows "cause euphoria in the island" and do consecutive sold out events. He let's his fans know how important they are to him and his group.

"Arjona truly is one of the last, great, pure singer/songwriters left in a Latino industry overtaken by less-than-stellar talent. But what never gets old is the reminder every now and again that the music gods still have vessels like Arjona at their disposal when they want to show the world what greatness should sound and feel like." Finishes saying the Daily Journal.

To be given the opportunity to work with artists such as Ricardo Arjona would be an honor. I think that artists who touch emotions and relate to their fans are the ones that will on live forever. The most important connection that Arjona has with his fans is because he demonstrates that everyone in the world, has passed or will pass through similar things; he connects people with something that no one, famous or not famous, rich or poor, can escape from the essence of humanity.

Paco Lopez - young talent raising in the industry...

Francisco Lopez better known as “Paco” is the youngest of the top ranked event producers of Puerto Rico. He’s the president of No Limit Entertainment. With only 34 years of age, he is widely respected in the Puerto Rican Entertainment Industry.

Paco calls himself the "Producer of his dreams" because he is doing it for his own passion.

Paco is COO in WY Management Team and WY Records record label, for recognized urban music artist Wisin & Yandel. He is also Stage Manager of Wisin & Yandel shows including their representations in awarding shows such as Premios lo nuestro, Latin Grammys and Billboards.

Paco is considered to be one of the pioneers of urban music concerts. He proved to everyone the success of these artist and focused on producing events for a younger audience. Paco is a model and represents young professional success in the industry. People who are new in the industry look forward to working with Paco because of his refreshing and modern vision.

His events clearly focus on a young audience, people around the ages of 16-30. On a public that, in these times, is in need of positive impact. A public that is looking for new ways to be entertained and distract their minds. He catches the attention of this audience because he is also young and can relate to them. He finds out and worries about what these people want and he provides it to them. Most importantly, people are aware that the production staff working behind these shows are as young as them, and actually care on working hard to entertain them.

Events like “Puerto Rico para Haiti” are what impact the audience who participate in Paco Lopez events. This was a fundraising event to help damage expenses caused by the earthquake in Haiti. In this event participated young recognized local artist of Puerto Rico. Artist who have been working their way to be recognized worldwide, such as Sie7e, Ñejo y Dálmata, Millo Torres, Farruko, Dazoo, Franco El Gorila, La Secta, Yomo, Cultura Profética, Fiel a la Vega and Cosculluela. The great thing about fundraising events are how they give entertainment a positive purpose and show people how much you care.

Now Paco has been working in collaboration with artist known worldwide like Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias and Sean Kingston. He is dedicating himself on bringing artist never before seen in Puerto Rico, knowing for a fact that PR has a public just waiting for amazing and new shows to happen.

Paco will be presenting his next show in the Coliseum of Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot next week, on saturday March 10, 2012. With this show, Natalia Jimenez's concert, Paco is trying to capture other musical taste in his followers and getting his name known in other nations. Natalia Jimenez is a recognized Spanish singer who sang for the musical group, "La 5ta Estacion". But as said before, Paco always takes in consideration local talents, so the opening of Natalia Jimenez concert, is going to be MIMA.

Paco has already broken records in the Coliseum of Puerto Rico. Along with Wisin & Yandel they where honored with the key to the coliseum, given to them by Wesley Cullen (SMG's GM of the Coliseum of PR) for their record of 15 sold out events since 2006. He is proving to the world what his hard work is doing, by continuously breaking different records in a top recognized venue.

2008: He sold out 3 Wisin & Yandel's concerts at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot with 38k in attendance and more than $2.3M in gross revenue.

These concerts got him to a #1 ranking in the total revenue Billboard Concert Charts.

2009: Sold out 4 Wisin & Yandel's concerts in the same venue with 53k in attendance and more than $2.8M in gross revenue.

In this show participated surprise artists like Akon, Romeo from Aventura, T-Pain and Enrique Iglesias.
The 4th and last show of this concert was announced the night before by the singers and sold out immediately the next day. (Another broken record.)

References:

http://nolimitpr.com/about-us/

http://www.wisinyandelonline.com/2008/08/wy-records.html

http://www.wisinyandelpr.com/tag/wy-records/

http://www.primerahora.com/coliseodepuertoricoentrelosmastaquillerosdelmundoenel2011-606224.html

Social Media & Mega-Events...Super Bowl XLVI

The NFL Super Bowl is considered to be one of the most important national mega-event in the United States internationally transmitted.

Mega is a prefix that means one million. A mega-event is generally considered to be a large-scale event that has global publicity and or is associated with large-scale impacts.

By definition, Mega-events stimulate mega expectations and provoke mega reactions. These days’ social media has a huge impact in mega-events and so does it vise-versa.

Society’s expectations for this event, grows more and more demanding each year. Social media’s reviews, comments, and reactions are highly important to the productivity of this event. When the Superbowl is over, conversations in different websites cover just about everything that has to do with the event, from the commercials, the halftime show and the plays in the game itself.

This year, a lot of social media networks interacted directly and simultaneously with the event, such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. According to Yahoo News, Twitter made a new record with the most tweets per second during the Super Bowl game. Twitter involved this event allowing users to tweet at the Super Bowl account (@SuperBowl2012) and add hash tags about the Super Bowl. Interacting in these networks has become a common trait and part of our daily routine. Companies are aware that social media has become a large trend and are taking advantage of this. This is why the effect of the Super Bowl commercials is so important. Companies know that the public has the facility to comment online and give a lot of value to their opinions instantly.

“These days, ignoring conversations on social platforms would be akin to not answering the telephone in years past”, said Taulbee Jackson, CEO of locally based digital marketing firm Raidious, which was hosting the command center and managing two shifts a day through game time Feb. 5.

This year, the halftime show was performed by Madonna. This show has such a high impact in society, that up to today, people are still talking about it. People see the performance over and over again as if it was the first time they are seen it. The impressions are extraordinary. Even those who perhaps didn’t not like the show, when they see it again they just have to stay focusing on it. Mega-events impact society with excitement and eagerness. Everyone is waiting for the moment and just waiting to quickly engage conversation about it. People are still commenting about Madonna’s performance, trying to come up with an unswerving opinion. I think this is what Madonna’s shows are all about.

Mega-events in general, unify humanity. We notice how millions of viewers are unified to be part of a common purpose. Families and friends worldwide come together to experience and participate in this event. The Super Bowl will continue on being a high impact event in our society throughout the years. As social media keeps on evolving, it will also keep on affecting mega-events and making them evolve along with it.

“Audience Viewership this season was at an all time high, with fans all around the world being given the chance to participate and engage online, making this year the most connected Super Bowl in the history of the NFL.”

For mor information about the Super Bowl XLVI, access the links below:

Super Bowl 2012 Commercials

Super Bowl 2012 in Photos

Droplets of Wisdom

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